Code Of Ethics

The members of this club agree and adhere to the Empire State Mastiff Fanciers Code of Ethics.

Empire State Mastiff Fanciers Code of Ethics

1. I will consider only the betterment of the breed when breeding a bitch or allowing a breeding with my stud dog, being conscientious of controlling and eliminating inherited problems. A breeder and stud dog owner shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of protecting the breed, and only when the parties involved agree the breeder is in a position and has the knowledge to give proper care to both the bitch and offspring.

2. I will not allow a bitch to be bred prior to her reaching twenty-two (22) months of age, nor shall any bitch be bred after her seventh (7th) birthday. A bitch will not be bred more than once in any twelve (12) month period unless she does not whelp a litter, the litter is stillborn, consists of a single (1) pup, or as a part of a veterinarians recommendation for treatment of pyometria. Any other reason would need to be stated in writing, along with a licensed veterinarians certification of good health, to be received by the Recording Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the breeding for the Boards approval.

3. I will sell a Mastiff only to a buyer whom I believe to be interested in the protection of the breed and who would agree in writing to provide the highest quality of care for said Mastiff, including quality food, water, proper shelter from heat or cold, active companionship, appropriate exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care whenever necessary.

4. An ESMF member will sell each Mastiff puppy/adult on a written contract signed by all parties. Said contract shall contain, but is not limited to the following provisions: a. Complete care/feeding instructions. b. A record of inoculations and worming with a recommended continuation schedule. c. Provide the buyer with a five (5) generation pedigree on the litter. d. Furnish a signed AKC registration or transfer form, unless written agreement is made with the buyer that such papers are withheld or are to follow. e. A provision that ensures that the breeder is contacted whenever an owner can no longer keep a dog at anytime in the dogs life and that the breeder will take back the dog if asked to do so. f. Stipulate that the buyer have a veterinary check-up within five (5) working days of the sale, (or whatever is applicable in your state of residence), to determine that the Mastiff is healthy. If the veterinarian determines that the Mastiff is not in good health, the breeder will, upon the Mastiffs return, refund the purchase price or replace the Mastiff.

5. I will not knowingly sell or provide a Mastiff for resale, gift or prize or to a broker/agent for resale. I will not engage in the brokering of puppies, (selling or buying), EXCEPT in a case that would prevent a potential rescue situation. ALL SUCH CASES MUST be documented by letter to the MCOA Recording Secretary.

6. I will not sell a puppy/adult who is sick, nor will I ship or deliver to the buyer a puppy less than eight (8) weeks of age.

7. I will show good sportsmanship at all times and in all matters relating to Mastiffs. I will maintain the highest degree of honesty and integrity. I will not knowingly make a misstatement of fact in any serious discussion of my Mastiffs or the Mastiffs of any other Mastiff owner that I might have with persons not qualified to judge the fact for themselves. When advertising my Mastiffs in any media (magazines, internet websites, mail, email, etc.) I will not make false or misleading statements. I will only use a picture of another owners Mastiff with the owners express permission and I will clearly identify that Mastiff and the Mastiffs owner in the ad.

8. I will take back any Mastiff bred/sold by me who has been displaced. If I am unable to do so, I will assist MCOA Rescue or a regional Mastiff club rescue in the placement of said Mastiff. I will reimburse MCOA Rescue for all costs incurred not to exceed three-hundred dollars ($300.00).

9. I will require the neutering/spaying of any puppy/adult I place or sell as pet quality as soon as the dog reaches the appropriate age. The ESMF recommends puppies deemed pet quality to be placed with Limited Registration; puppies whose quality is questionable should be placed with Limited Registration which is reversible, if appropriate, when said puppy becomes more mature and a better determination of quality can be rendered; show/breeding quality puppies should be placed with either Full or Limited Registration.

10. I will not sell, nor use, a Mastiff for the purpose of attack training, fighting, or any other sport detrimental to the breed and its reputation.

11. I will not produce more than eight (8) litters in any twenty-four (24) month period per household nor will I permit my stud dog to be used in a program, which would exceed eight (8) litters per twenty-four (24) month period per household. I will not purposely evade these guidelines by putting my dogs in the name of friends or other family members.

12. I will provide the highest quality care to all Mastiffs that I own, or that are in my possession, for as long as they are in my care including quality food, water, proper shelter from heat or cold, active companionship, appropriate exercise, socialization, and professional veterinary care whenever necessary. I will never abuse, nor knowingly allow abuse of these same Mastiffs.